Please note that Holi Colors are NOT allowed within the Temple or Community Center.

Vikari Nama Samvatsara UGADI on April 5th (Friday)

April 5th We will be celebrating this year's Vikari Nama Samvatsara UGADI on April 5th (Friday). This day is observed as a New Year by Hindus in many other parts of India. For example, it is called Gudi Padwa in several parts of India.

The day is observed by drawing colorful patterns on floor called Muggulu or Rangoli, mango leaf decorations on doors called toranalu or Torana, buying and giving gifts such as new clothes, giving charity to the poor, special bath followed by oil treatment, preparing and sharing a special food called pachadi, and visiting Hindu temples. The pachadi is a notable festive food that combines all flavors – sweet, sour, salty, bitter. In the Telugu and Kannada Hindu traditions, it is a symbolic reminder that one must expect all flavors of experiences in the coming new year and make the most of them. Ugadi means beginning of an era.

Ugadi Panchanga Shravanam is done on Ugadi. Astrology predictions and yearly horoscopes are told by Pundits on this day.

Program Details:

6.30 PM Maha Lakshmi Abhishekam followed by special Alankaram with new Peetham, Gold Tilak and New Saree (All donated by various sponsors)
7.30 PM Panchanga Shravanam by Priest Naga Girish Sharma
8.00 PM Archana followed by Arati
Followed by distribution of Ugadi Pachadi, Theertha & Maha Prasadam

If you are interested in taking part in Ugadi Dinner please contact Saritha Voruganti at 616 450 2506 or email her at vorugasa@yahoo.com

The day is the ninth and last day of Chaitra Navaratri. It celebrates the arrival of Vishnu's 7th avatar, god Rama. It is marked by the faithfuls with puja (devotional worship) such as bhajan and kirtan, by fasting and reading passages about Rama's life. Special cities in the Ramayana legends about Rama's life observe major celebrations. These include Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu), Bhadrachalam (Telangana) and Sitamarhi (Bihar). Some locations organize Rath-yatras (chariot processions), while some celebrate it as the wedding anniversary festival (Kalyanotsavam) of Rama and Sita. In our Temple we will be performing Kalyanotsavam (Wedding Ceremony) in the morning and Rathotsavam (Chariot Procession) in the evening. Ram Navami is symbolically celebrated as Baba’s birthday. Anndanam is mainly done across the country to feed the poor. As a part of this event few devotees from the temple will be donating money to Kids Food Basket to help the kids of Western Michigan.